New Review: Kathleen Givens’ ON A HIGHLAND SHORE – Superb Love Story, a Keeper rich in history of Scotland

Kathleen Givens was an award-winning author of Scottish historicals, each rich in historical detail. Every one of them is on my keeper shelf.

Set in 13th century Scotland, this tells the story of Margaret MacDonald and Gannon MacMagnus, who find love out of misfortune and the changes that take their lives from the paths they were originally to take. In both this book and its sequel, RIVALS FOR THE CROWN, Givens does a superb job of weaving English and Scottish history into an epic romance and a tale of Highlander families swept up in the great themes of Scotland's history.

I grew to love these men and women and felt like they could have easily been real people--people who experienced deep, lasting love, demanding challenges and heartrending losses. Her writing is so believable, so compelling, I found myself reading her stories late into the night.

These are not formula romance books but sweeping historical novels well worth the read.  You won't be disappointed. There are fewer love scenes than in some romances but the ones included are tender and well worth the wait. The sexual tension she creates fits the story well and is consistent with the characters.

When I finished the two books I mourned the ending of the stories and craved more from her. She has two other 2-book series out--all Scottish historicals (THE LEGEND and THE DESTINY and KILGANNON and THE ROSE OF KILGANNON). They are all we will have of her work as she passed away in early 2010.  It's a loss for all her readers.  I think she was a great talent.

If you like sweeping sagas rich in historical detail, you will love this one.

Buy on Amazon.